SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - January, 2024

Vicky Bakery Debuts in Boca Raton: A Taste of Cuba in South Florida

Vicky Bakery, a name synonymous with authentic Cuban delicacies, has finally made its way to Boca Raton, offering a slice of Cuba's rich culinary heritage in South Florida. Since its inception in 1972, Vicky Bakery has established itself as a cornerstone for Cuban cuisine enthusiasts, serving up a variety of traditional favorites that cater to all tastes.

From the moment you step into Vicky Bakery's newest location off Lyons Road, nestled between Yamato and Glades, you're greeted with the enticing aromas of warm, airy bread, sweet and flaky pastelitos, and tender croquetas. The bakery also boasts a robust selection of potent coffee and hearty sandwiches, ensuring that every visit is both satisfying and memorable.

The Boca Raton outpost marks a significant…

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South Florida Condo Financing: Expert Insights with Larry Mastropieri and Emmanuel St. Germain

In the dynamic world of South Florida real estate, understanding the intricacies of condo financing is key to successful transactions. To shed light on this topic, Larry Mastropieri, a seasoned real estate broker and owner of the Mastropieri Group, recently sat down with Emmanuel St. Germain, CEO and loan originator at Choice Mortgage Group. Their comprehensive conversation offers invaluable insights into the nuances of condo financing in this region.

The discussion began with Larry introducing Emmanuel, acknowledging his expertise in closing condo-related financing deals. Emmanuel immediately emphasized the critical nature of understanding condo financing, especially given the prevalence of condominiums in the South Florida market.

A significant point…

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Chilly Alert: Palm Beach County Braces for Cold Snap and Possible Iguana Showers

As Palm Beach County residents enjoy the usual sunny Florida weather, a surprising twist is on the horizon. A significant cold front is expected to sweep through the area, bringing uncharacteristically low temperatures into the 40s and 50s. This drastic temperature drop is not just a matter for thicker jackets and extra blankets; it comes with an unusual warning: watch out for falling iguanas!

Meteorologists are focusing on the strong winds accompanying this cold front, which are set to intensify the chill. Sunday morning is anticipated to feel particularly brisk, with "feels like" temperatures potentially dipping into the upper 40s in areas from Jupiter to Boca Raton. For those residing deeper inland, don't be surprised if the thermometer reads in the…

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Savor the Best of Belgian Brews: A Day at the Best of the Belgians Beer Fest in Delray Beach

Gear up, beer aficionados! The Boca Ballet Theatre Company, in partnership with Barrel of Monks Brewing, Bon Beer Voyage, and Cavalier Distributing, is thrilled to host the much-anticipated Best of the Belgians Beer Fest. This spectacular celebration of Belgian-made and Belgian-style breweries is set to take place at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL, on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

The festival kicks off at 2 PM, with VIP ticket holders enjoying the perk of early admission at 1 PM. Get ready to indulge in an extensive array of Belgian ales from renowned breweries like De Dolle, Ommegang, St. Bernardus, Rochefort, and local favorite Barrel of Monks Brewing, among others.

Your festival ticket isn't just a pass to the world of…

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Indulge in a Seafood Extravaganza at the South Florida Seafood & Music Festival, Mizner Park, Feb 10

The South Florida Seafood & Music Festival at Mizner Park Amphitheater on February 10th is not just a feast for your taste buds but a celebration for all senses! Imagine yourself savoring the freshest seafood – from Key West shrimp to Maine lobster and beyond – while listening to the vibrant tunes of South Florida’s top bands. And it's not just about the food and music; the festival is a hub for charity and community engagement.

Supporting Rachel’s Gate and Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, the festival blends enjoyment with altruism, offering a chance to contribute to worthy causes. Discover the fun-filled activities like a petting zoo and artisan marketplaces, ensuring that there’s something enticing for every age and interest.

Mark your calendars and grab…

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Unveiling the Impact: Larry Mastropieri Sheds Light on Fannie Mae's Controversial Condo Blacklist

In an enlightening interview, Larry Mastropieri, a prominent real estate broker and the face behind DiscoverSouthFlorida.com & The Mastropieri Group, delves into a developing story that's sending ripples through the U.S. real estate sector: Fannie Mae's controversial "Condo on Available Projects in Phases Report," widely known as the condo blacklist. Initially uncovered by The O.C. Register in April 2023, this list categorizes certain condominium buildings as ineligible for financing based on Fannie Mae's stringent guidelines.

The blacklist, comprising over 2,300 properties with a striking 34% located in Florida, signifies a notable expansion from its earlier count of 1,700, as reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Mastropieri elucidates the…

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Brooklyn's Famous Juliana's Pizza Expands to West Palm Beach's Nora District

West Palm Beach's Nora district, an upcoming $1 billion dining and entertainment hub, is gearing up to welcome a slice of Brooklyn. Juliana's Pizza, a renowned Brooklyn pizza staple and one of the top-rated pizzerias in the U.S., is set to open its doors in this trendy area north of downtown.

This marks a significant expansion for Juliana's Pizza, as it's their first venture outside New York. Known for their signature coal-fired pizzas, Juliana's brings an authentic taste of New York-style pizza to West Palm Beach, a delight for pizza aficionados in the area.

The move by Juliana's Pizza to the Nora district is reflective of the broader trend of Northeastern migration to West Palm Beach, a phenomenon accelerated by the pandemic. The area has become a hotspot…

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Boca Raton's Beer, Wine, and Spirits Festival: A Guide to the Ultimate Tasting Experience

Dive into the world of exquisite tastes and vibrant aromas at the Boca Raton Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest, your all-access pass to a global selection of drinks. On Saturday, January 27, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM EST, the Mizner Amphitheater will transform into a hub of celebration for beverage enthusiasts.

This fest isn't just about tasting; it's an experience. Guests will be treated to a vast array of beer, wine, and spirit samples, perfectly paired with live entertainment, delectable food options, and interactive games. It's a chance to explore local brews and exotic wines in a lively, engaging setting.

Important Details:
- Tickets: $55 General Admission.  Please note, tickets are non-refundable.
- Restrictions: No large bags, knapsacks, outside food or drinks.…

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Boca Raton to Welcome New Retail and Dining Hub: A Modern Makeover for Glades Road and Dixie Highway Area

Exciting times are ahead for Boca Raton as the city gears up for a significant makeover near the bustling intersection of Glades Road and Dixie Highway. With the City Council's recent approval, a nearly 4-acre industrial site will transform into a vibrant retail and dining hub.

The proposed development features three one-story buildings, encompassing over 28,000 square feet of new retail, office, and restaurant space. This redevelopment, situated at 50 Glades Road, signals a major shift from its current use for industrial storage to a lively community center.

Ele Zachariades, an urban planner and planning lawyer with Dunay, Miskel and Backman, leads this ambitious project. While specific tenants are yet to be decided, the vision is clear: high-end, quality…

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Delray Beach Welcomes Art Lovers to Its 35th Annual Festival of the Arts

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and color at the 35th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts! Happening on January 13th and 14th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, this event is a must-visit for art lovers and casual observers alike. Ranked highly by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this festival is not just an event; it's an experience.

The festival takes place at 104 West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, FL, offering a scenic backdrop for the stunning displays of art. What's more? Admission is absolutely free! This year, the event boasts a change in location, beginning on West Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach, stretching from Swinton (near Old School Square) to NW 5th Avenue. The new location promises more parking…

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